FILE – In this July 19, 2013, file photo, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder speaks during a news conference in Detroit. Snyder, the understated, self-described “nerd” and former CEO, is making one thing clear as he prepares for a challenging re-election race next year: He intends to be part of the national conversation underway about the Republican Party’s future. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Rick Snyder — the understated, self-described “nerd” and former CEO — is making one thing clear as he prepares for a challenging re-election race next year: He intends to be part of the national conversation underway about the Republican Party’s future.

The first-term governor used his role as host of a biennial state GOP conference that drew more than 1,000 state and national figures — including three potential Login to read more